Printer getting error while printing

Question

I just got a new computer and my printer that is connected by USB keeps getting printing errors, it is a Brother HL-L5100Dn series printer.

Answer 1

Hi @Phillips, Michael

Thanks to you reach out here.

• first check the proper driver installed for the printer. suppose generic driver installed remove and install proper printer driver.
• Windows + R. in Run type services.msc search printer spooler service. right click the service stop and start service. may be any printing has been pending so clear all printing services.
• optional only. may be check your usb connected with 2.0 but printer supported 3.0 may be a cause. so, check that also.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi Phillips,

That Brother model works best when you install its proper driver instead of letting Windows use the generic one. Go to Brother’s support site, download the full driver package for the HL‑L5100DN that matches your Windows version, uninstall the printer from “Devices and Printers,” then reinstall it with the Brother software while the USB cable is connected. If it still throws errors, clear the print queue by stopping the Print Spooler service and deleting files in C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, then restart the service. If problems continue, you’ll get a more reliable setup by connecting the printer with an Ethernet cable and using it as a network printer, since that’s the way this model was designed to run.

Harry.

Answer 3

Try these steps in order for a USB‑connected Brother HL‑L5100DN on a new Windows PC:

1. Power cycle printer and check USB
   1. Turn the printer off and unplug its power cable.
   2. Unplug the USB cable from both printer and PC.
   3. Wait ~30 seconds.
   4. Plug the USB cable firmly back into the printer and into a different USB port on the PC if possible.
   5. Plug the printer power back in and turn it on.
   6. Try printing again.
2. Verify Windows sees the printer
   1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices (or Devices > Printers & scanners on some versions).
   2. Confirm the Brother HL‑L5100DN appears under Printers & scanners.
   3. If it shows a status like “Printer in error state,” check for paper jams, low toner, or open covers, then retry.
3. Restart the Print Spooler service
   1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
   2. Scroll to Print Spooler.
   3. Right‑click Print Spooler and select Restart.
   4. Try printing again.
4. Update or reinstall the printer driver
   1. Select Start > Device Manager.
   2. Expand Printers.
   3. Right‑click the Brother HL‑L5100DN and select Update driver.
   4. If no update is found or printing still fails, right‑click again and select Uninstall device.
   5. Restart the PC; Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
   6. Test printing.
5. Remove and re‑add the printer in Settings
   1. Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   2. Select the Brother printer and choose Remove.
   3. Still in Printers & scanners, select Add device next to Add a printer or scanner.
   4. Let Windows detect the USB printer and complete installation.
   5. Print a test page to confirm.

If the USB connection is still not recognized after these steps, run the USB troubleshooter referenced in the articles and confirm the USB port itself is working with another device.

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References:

• Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows
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• My printer won't connect and I'm unable to print anything - Microsoft Q&A
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